Azerbaijan's Aliyev Labels Armenia as 'Fascist' in Escalating Tensions

Recent investigations by Russian sources indicate that Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 was likely downed by a missile launched from a Pantsir-S1 air defense system that was transferred from Syria to Russia. This development was reported by Azerbaijan-based news channel AnewZ and has been shared with European outlets for the first time. The incident occurred on December 25 as the aircraft was approaching Grozny, leading to significant control malfunctions and ultimately crashing near Aktau airport in Kazakhstan. Reports suggest that electronic warfare systems were employed against the aircraft, affecting its navigation. Russian investigators have purportedly identified both the individual who fired the missile and the officer who provided the launch order. Azerbaijan's government has reacted strongly, demanding accountability from Russia, with possible recourse to international courts if necessary. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev outlined three demands to Russia: an apology, an admission of guilt, and punishment of those responsible, along with compensation for victims. Kremlin's acknowledgment of the incident has been minimal, stopping short of accepting responsibility. As investigations continue, Kazakhstan has decided to send the aircraft's flight recorders to Brazil for a comprehensive analysis. The collaboration with Azerbaijan indicates a commitment to transparency surrounding the tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 38 passengers.

A recently observed geological phenomenon known as a 'ghost island' has emerged off the coast of Azerbaijan, attributed to the submarine mud volcano Kumani Bank. This island formed approximately 15 miles from the eastern shore, first appearing in early 2023 before briefly growing to about 400 meters in width. By late 2024, the island had diminished to just one-quarter of its maximum size, according to satellite imagery released by NASA. Mud volcanoes, while less explosive than traditional volcanoes, can create significant changes in landscape and are prevalent in regions near tectonic plate boundaries like Azerbaijan. The country is home to roughly 300 mud volcanoes, which collectively contribute to its title as the world capital of mud volcanoes. Geologist Mark Tingay from the University of Adelaide commented on the surprise of suddenly seeing an island rise from the sea. These mud volcano eruptions occur when gas trapped beneath the Earth's surface builds up pressure before breaking through. While they're often quieter events, they can lead to dramatic changes in the environment, including the formation of temporary islands. NASA has documented the developments of Kumani Bank over time, noting that previous eruptions have led to the creation of even larger islands in the past, with the largest recorded being 700 meters across.

Azerbaijan is escalating tensions with Russia following the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, which resulted in the tragic loss of 38 lives. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has adamantly stated that the plane was shot down from the ground as it approached its landing zone in Grozny, Russia. While the Kremlin has acknowledged air defense operations were underway, it has refrained from admitting any involvement in the incident. Aliyev has criticized Moscow for what he describes as a "concealment" of the true causes surrounding the crash and has called for an impartial investigation into the matter. The Armenian leader has expressed discontent over the handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the victims. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Russian experts are cooperating fully with the investigation and expressed a desire for a thorough and objective inquiry into the catastrophe. However, despite calls for acknowledgment of responsibility, Moscow has not publicly accepted blame for the shooting down of the aircraft. In a series of phone calls made to Aliyev following the disaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret over the incident occurring in Russian airspace but did not concede responsibility. Azerbaijani authorities have reportedly found evidence supporting claims that the aircraft was struck by a missile from the Russian air defenses, leading to increasing calls for accountability from Baku.